Religion

The Parable of The Lost Son: 21st Century Edition

Published

11 years ago

June 30, 2015

by Pastor E.A. Deckard
Special to the NNPA from the Houston Forward Times

“I want to congratulate all the men out there who are working diligently to be good fathers whether they are stepfathers, or biological fathers or just spiritual fathers.”- T. D. Jakes

“Being a father has been, without a doubt, my greatest source of achievement, pride and inspiration. Fatherhood has taught me about unconditional love, reinforced the importance of giving back and taught me how to be a better person.”- Naveen Jain

THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SON 21^st CENTURY EDITION

Forward Thinkers, we have spent a great deal of time discussing The FOG, “Favor of God” and how the FOG will produce LAG, “Look at God” stories. Today, Forward Thinkers, I’m believing God that more turn around stories will happen today as you read this article dedicated to Fathers across America.

Forward Thinkers, the bible says when men come together in unity it is good like precious oil running down Aaron’s beard and I declare, there is so much potential in this article that someone will go from the bottom to the top.

Forward Thinkers let’s take a 21^st century look at the parable of the lost (prodigal) son:

Luke 15:11-32 New International Version (NIV)

The Parable of the Lost Son Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. ¹²The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. ¹⁴After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. ¹⁵So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. ¹⁶He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! ¹⁸I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. ¹⁹I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ ²⁰So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. ²⁴For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ²⁷‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. ²⁹But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. ³⁰But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³²But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Forward Thinkers now that we have read the biblical text let’s identify the three personalities mentioned in this parable.

The Father- he represents God the Father

The Younger Son- he represents most of us at some point of our life

The Older Brother- he represents those of us some pretending to be perfect and without sin

Forward Thinkers let me drop this in your spirit and leave it hanging over our heads — John 3:16 says ¹⁶

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”

Forward Thinkers, when did God change his mind about whosoever’s and when did he give us the right to choose who whosoever’s were? Today my goal is to speak truth into all three groups of men, because I believe every man reading this article today can relate to one of these men.

Forward Thinkers first let me search out a point; I’ve never heard anyone touch when dealing with the prodigal son.

Forward Thinkers, where is the mother? This is not a story of a deadbeat dad because this man is raising his two sons alone. Let’s celebrate and encourage every man that has Man up in the absence of a woman. Forward Thinkers, on Mother’s Day we go hard celebrating Super Moms but, I don’t see any parades for Super Dads on Father’s Day. You won’t find Hallmark cards on Mother’s Day for single Dads. #FatherMattersToo

Forward Thinkers, you know I’m a student of the bible and history and I noticed the Father is not called a “widow” therefore; the boys’ mother is probably not dead as many have assumed. So Forward Thinkers where is she? The bible counted the sons of Issachar wise because they knew the times so I reason she is in 1 of 3 places:

Locked Up – Forward Thinkers black women are now six times more likely to be in prison than any other group of women in America. Orange is new Black for African American women. Forward Thinkers I was shocked to read that 64% of Black women in prison are mothers.

Hooked Up – Forward Thinkers unfortunately many African women turn to drugs trying to escape the realities of life. Forward Thinkers many women have become hooked on prescription drugs as well as street drugs trying to numb the pain of broken promises and relationships.

Turnt Up – Forward Thinkers many won’t admit this or like this but in our culture today many women prefer twerking over mothering.

Forward Thinkers, if this were a story of a single mother with two sons we would assume the daddy is a deadbeat but in spite of it all this Father stood up to his responsibilities.

Prodigal Son

Forward Thinkers he decided he wanted to experiment with the world not knowing the world don’t play fair.

Let me also drop this in your spirit to all single parents (custodian parent) a child needs the influence of both parents. Whenever you deny one parent the right to be a part of a child’s life that child misses out on what that parent had to offer. Yes, Forward Thinkers every parent has something to offer because, God calls children gifts and God would not bless us with gifts and then not give us the ability to take care of the gifts. Many children get caught up in the world because they are searching for the relationship they missed out on at the house.

Wild Living – Forward Thinkers let’s pause and thank God we don’t look like what we been through. Forward Thinkers I’m honored to know I’ve been assigned to preach the gospel to the Wilding Out Generation.

Poor time and money management – Forward Thinkers how much time and money have we wasted trying to find ourselves in the world? Men we must learn to master both time and money if we desire to be Masters in life.

Hired himself out – Forward Thinkers our bad decisions will have us living beneath our standards and depending on systems that are not designed for us. Forward Thinkers the enemy and his system will never take care of us in a fair way. Forward Thinkers many men make decisions that cost them their freedom and in prison they are forced to work for Fortune 500 companies for free but once they are released from prison they don’t qualify to work the same job they been working for past 10 years. Forward Thinkers I want to put a demand on every company that profits from free prison labor and hold them responsible to educate and employ these same men who are making them richer.

Came to his senses – Forward Thinkers my goal is to help every man I enter into covenant with to come to his senses and encourage him to reach his full potential. Forward Thinkers when a man comes to his senses he realizes the things in his life that don’t make sense.

Going back to my father’s house – Forward Thinkers the bible says to train up a child and this is further proof his father was a strong man because he did not run back to his mother. Forward Thinkers the father in this parable represents God the Father because he never stopped loving his son.

The Father –

Forward Thinkers notice the father was waiting on his son to return. This is a perfect example of unconditional love and forgiveness. I’m grateful that we have the opportunity to serve a God that never counts us out no matter how far away we go.

The Older Brother

Forward Thinkers, the older brother is acting like many in the 21^st century church always judging the lost but never encouraging the lost. The older brother is also the group afraid to take risks but quick to judge those bold enough to leap out into the deep. Some people are sitting around waiting for somebody to die to get their belongings instead of venturing out to create their own legacy. The older brother also displays a jealous spirit and is disconnected from the journey of life. Forward Thinkers it’s hard to trust a man with no scars.

Forward Thinkers verse 32 sums up the entire parable: ^{32 “}But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”

Forward Thinkers we are blessed that God allowed his grace to keep us until we came to our senses.

Pastor E. A. Deckard is the Senior Pastor/Founder of the Green House International Church now located, in Houston, Texas, and the Woodlands, Texas. To contact Pastor Deckard for speaking engagements contact him at pr.ghic@gmail.com or the church website www.ghic.net

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OP-ED: AB 1349 Puts Corporate Power Over Community

Since Ticketmaster and Live Nation merged in 2010, ticket prices have jumped more than 150 percent. Activities that once fit a family’s budget now take significant disposable income that most working families simply don’t have. The problem is compounded by a system that has tilted access toward the wealthy and white-collar workers. If you have a fancy credit card, you get “presale access,” and if you work in an office instead of a warehouse, you might be able to wait in an online queue to buy a ticket. Access now means privilege.

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January 9, 2026

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Bishop Joseph Simmons, Senior Pastor, Greater St. Paul Baptist Church, Oakland

By Bishop Joseph Simmons, Senior Pastor, Greater St. Paul Baptist Church, Oakland

As a pastor, I believe in the power that a sense of community can have on improving people’s lives. Live events are one of the few places where people from different backgrounds and ages can share the same space and experience – where construction workers sit next to lawyers at a concert, and teenagers enjoy a basketball game with their grandparents. Yet, over the past decade, I’ve witnessed these experiences – the concerts, games, and cultural events where we gather – become increasingly unaffordable, and it is a shame.

These moments of connection matter as they form part of the fabric that holds communities together. But that fabric is fraying because of Ticketmaster/Live Nation’s unchecked control over access to live events. Unfortunately, AB 1349 would only further entrench their corporate power over our spaces.

Power over live events is concentrated in a single corporate entity, and this regime operates without transparency or accountability – much like a dictator. Ticketmaster controls 80 percent of first-sale tickets and nearly a third of resale tickets, but they still want more. More power, more control for Ticketmaster means higher prices and less access for consumers. It’s the agenda they are pushing nationally, with the help of former Trump political operatives, who are quietly trying to undo the antitrust lawsuit launched against Ticketmaster/Live Nation under President Biden’s DOJ.

That’s why I’m deeply concerned about AB 1349 in its current form. Rather than reining in Ticketmaster’s power, the bill risks strengthening it, aligning with Trump. AB 1349 gives Ticketmaster the ability to control a consumer’s ticket forever by granting Ticketmaster’s regime new powers in state law to prevent consumers from reselling or giving away their tickets. It also creates new pathways for Ticketmaster to discriminate and retaliate against consumers who choose to shop around for the best service and fees on resale platforms that aren’t yet controlled by Ticketmaster. These provisions are anti-consumer and anti-democratic.

California has an opportunity to stand with consumers, to demand transparency, and to restore genuine competition in this industry. But that requires legislation developed with input from the community and faith leaders, not proposals backed by the very company causing the harm.

Will our laws reflect fairness, inclusion, and accountability? Or will we let corporate interests tighten their grip on spaces that should belong to everyone? I, for one, support the former and encourage the California Legislature to reject AB 1349 outright or amend it to remove any provisions that expand Ticketmaster’s control. I also urge community members to contact their representatives and advocate for accessible, inclusive live events for all Californians. Let’s work together to ensure these gathering spaces remain open and welcoming to everyone, regardless of income or background.

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Tribute to Allen Temple Baptist Church Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith Sr., 94

Dr. Smith did not set out to become famous; however, he became a renowned, celebrated pastor, preacher, professor, prophet, author, and theologian. He has been honored as one of the top Black preachers of America, earned and received countless awards, and was the recipient of hundreds of honoree acknowledgements that would be a small book in itself.

Published

6 months ago

September 29, 2025

Oakland Post

Allen Temple Baptist Church Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith Sr.

“I decided early to give my life to something eternal and absolute. Not too little gods…. but to God who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.” J. Alfred Smith Sr.

By Rev. Dr. Martha C. Taylor, Allen Temple Baptist Church Historian

Most tributes are written from the writer’s personal perspective of the deceased. My intent is to expand this tribute so that readers feel a sense of shared experiences and admiration. Pastor Smith had a unique gift of making each person feel as if their relationship with him was deep and personal; making every single one of us feel like the most important person he knew. To that extent this tribute is written as shared experiences and admiration for a man who was exceptional in his ministry, his mission and his life. To pay tribute to this giant of a man is a high privilege and honor.

The Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith Sr., lived a life beyond himself. Using his famous quote, “I wish I could make it plain,” my desire is to make this tribute plain so that the reader can feel Dr. Smith’s compassion, wisdom, his love for the other, his faithful service while he traveled the Jericho Road.

His deep faith was a powerful example to others; affirming a shared hope in God as we recall his lasting legacy. We celebrate his life, his love for the other, and a legacy that few will attain.

Alfred Smith was born May 19, 1931, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was raised by his loving mother, Amy Gates Smith, and his grandmother, Mrs. Martha Henry. He obtained his early education in Kansas City and graduated in 1948 from the R. T. Coles High School. That same year, he was licensed to preach, and in 1951 he was ordained at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Kansas City where he served as assistant pastor for three years.

In 1950, Pastor Smith married the love of his life, Joanna Goodwin. To this union, five beautiful children were added to the family bringing even more joy and happiness. Their marriage lasted until she was called home to be with the Lord on Aug. 12, 2007. Later, The Lord blessed Dr. Smith and Rev. Bernestine Farley in marriage. Together they were powerful ministry partners with a blended family. Rev. Bernie, as she is fondly called, is an ordained minister having served at the Allen Temple Arms I and II.

During the 1950s to ’60s, Dr. Smith pastured various small churches in Missouri He also served for three years as principal of Lincoln Elementary School at Keyesville, Missouri, over a period of 20 years. With a heart to excel, and knowing that God wants his leaders properly equipped to serve the people, he burned the midnight oil and enrolled in several colleges and universities and earned four degrees; a Bachelor of Science in elementary education (1952), Bachelor of Divinity (1959), Masters of Theology in Church and Community (1966), Master’s in American Church History (1972), and a Doctor of Ministry (1975).

In 1971, Dr. Smith was elected senior pastor of Allen Temple Baptist Church. He was elected president of the Progressive Baptist State Convention of California in 1979, and president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention in 1986. Smith joined the teaching faculty at the American Baptist Seminary of the West as professor of Christian Ministries in 1992.

The question that arises at this time is what were some of the human qualities, God-given gifts, his dedication to his calling that impacted his ministry locally and beyond? Pastor Smith loved to pray; he knew his power and strength came from a deep prayer life with God. His meetings started with prayer, his phone calls ended in prayer, and amazingly, he often would make phone calls and say, “I was just thinking of you, let’s have a word of prayer.”

He addressed the United Nations to oppose South African apartheid and preached in pulpits worldwide, never shying away from controversial issues that represent the marginalized. Dr. Smith had a way of attracting people; he led marches that galvanized communities and people of varying nationalities to the steps of City Hall to speak on issues that plague communities. One of his favorite quotes: “To get to the sweet bye and bye you have to deal with the nasty now and now.” Dr. Smith fuels his passionate, prophetic preaching and praying power from his dependence upon God, which started at his mother’s knee, Amy Gates Smith.

Pastor Smith served everyone – from the lonely to high-ranking officials. Like Jesus, he walked with the marginalized with an open-door policy, all were welcome. The powerful often sought wise counsel from him. Pastor Smith preached and taught all over the universe.

Life has many turns; the Rev. Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson – Allen Temple’s senior pastor – was licensed and ordained by Dr. Smith; she was his daughter in the ministry who became his pastor. They shared a close relationship.

James Ella James said it like this “He was one of the most important people in my life. He was a real friend, brother, trustworthy and very caring person. It is so hard to describe James Alfred Smith. I don’t know anybody like him.”

I believe we all share James Ella James thoughts and feelings about Dr Smith.

He was never too busy to listen; he had a compassionate heart that comforted others. Most of us know he could shed tears at the drop of a hat. He was a wonderful counselor who offered grace and perspective.

After Sunday morning worship, he always went to the narthex, shook hands, and personally greeted people. He told me when you are greeting the people don’t forget to pat the little children on the head and tell them how much they are growing.

The Rev Dr. Otis Moss Jr said Pastor Smith’s preaching, teaching, and leadership commitments did not take him away from human rights struggles. ‘They take him deeper and deeper into the human rights struggles.”

Perhaps one of the outstanding contributions Pastor Smith made in his ministry was not only housing for seniors and HIV AIDS, but he also ensured that women were ordained and preached in the pulpit and elsewhere.

Among those he ordained early on was Rev. Dr. Ella Mitchell. Women from the four corners of America, there are numerous women who owe Dr. Smith a debt of gratitude for embracing them into the ministry.

When Dr. Smith’s health was challenged with a stroke, crippling him, he then preached from a wheelchair. His last sermon at Allen Temple was on Father’s Day, June 15: “A Good Daddy and his two sons.”

On Sept. 19, 2025, the Lord said, “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant.”

Dr. Smith’s legacy of faith will live on.

All Services will be held on the Allen Temple Baptist Church Campus and will be livestreamed on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, lying in repose from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by an evening of worship and witness on Friday, Oct. 10, Celebration of Life – 11 a.m.

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Juneteenth: Celebrating Our History, Honoring Our Shared Spaces

It’s been empowering to watch Juneteenth blossom into a widely celebrated holiday, filled with vibrant outdoor events like cookouts, festivals, parades, and more. It’s inspiring to see the community embrace our history—showing up in droves to celebrate freedom, a freedom delayed for some enslaved Americans more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

Published

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June 18, 2025

Oakland Post

Wayne Wilson, Public Affairs Campaign Manager, Caltrans

By Wayne Wilson, Public Affairs Campaign Manager, Caltrans

Juneteenth marks an important moment in our shared history—a time to reflect on the legacy of our ancestors who, even in the face of injustice, chose freedom, unity, and community over fear, anger, and hopelessness. We honor their resilience and the paths they paved so future generations can continue to walk with pride.

As we head into the weekend full of festivities and summer celebrations, I want to offer a friendly reminder about who is not invited to the cookout: litter.

At Clean California, we believe the places where we gather—parks, parade routes, street corners, and church lots—should reflect the pride and beauty of the people who fill them. Our mission is to restore and beautify public spaces, transforming areas impacted by trash and neglect into spaces that reflect the strength and spirit of the communities who use them.

Too often, after the music fades and the grills cool, our public spaces are left littered with trash. Just as our ancestors took pride in their communities, we honor their legacy when we clean up after ourselves, teach our children to do the same, and care for our shared spaces.

Small acts can inspire big change. Since 2021, Clean California and its partners have collected and removed over 2.9 million cubic yards of litter. We did this by partnering with local nonprofits and community organizations to organize grassroots cleanup events and beautification projects across California.

Now, we invite all California communities to continue the incredible momentum and take the pledge toward building a cleaner community through our Clean California Community Designation Program. This recognizes cities and neighborhoods committed to long-term cleanliness and civic pride.

This Juneteenth, let’s not only celebrate our history—but also contribute to its legacy. By picking up after ourselves and by leaving no litter behind after celebrations, we have an opportunity to honor our past and shape a cleaner, safer, more vibrant future.

Visit CleanCA.com to learn more about Clean California.